CANUNGRA residents have voiced frustration over recent parking fines issued at for the carpark of 14-16 Christie Street where IGA, Flessers Bakery, Canungra Medical Centre and Old Souls Barber are located, with some alleging that staff members from local businesses have also been fined.
The issue arose on May 8, after a parking enforcement officer reportedly began issuing fines for cars exceeding the 30-minute parking limit.
The parking management is being handled by OnlyPark, a Broadbeach-based private company specialising in car park management.
According to their website, OnlyPark aims to enhance customer convenience through innovative parking solutions.
One resident, who did not want to be named, expressed frustration over the parking enforcement officer’s actions.
“This guy today, he’s just gone nuts. He’s just ticketed everyone, even the doctor’s car,” he said.
“He’s like, yeah, I don’t care if it’s the doctor or not, you shouldn’t be parking there.”
Centre owner and manager Darren Benstead acknowledged the community’s reaction, explaining that the decision to enforce parking rules was made by the management company.
He said the move was intended to address the issue of non-customers using the car park.
“It is a private car park,” Mr Benstead said.
“If you’ve got business here, it won’t be a problem. If you don’t, find somewhere else to park.” He noted that some tenants had raised concerns about not having enough parking spaces due to people leaving cars there for extended periods.
Several residents have taken to social media to express their concerns, with some suggesting that the fines are not legally enforceable.
Local business patrons have questioned the fairness of imposing parking restrictions on staff and customers, especially when visiting the doctor or running multiple errands.
While some community members have called for greater consideration of the town’s unique needs, others support the monitoring, arguing it will prevent non-customers from occupying parking spaces.
Residents are calling for further clarity on parking rules and enforcement processes to ensure local businesses are not adversely affected.
